This is the official guide for Blender, an open-source integrated suite of tools enabling the creation of a broad range of 3D content. It covers every bit of functionalities supported in Blender, including modelling, rendering, animation, post-production, creation and playback of interactive 3D contents.

The first part of this document contains a general introduction to Blender and a quick tour with some of its main features, Blender's non-standart interface, and how to build the first animation with Blender.

The middle parts deal with the creative process. It sets off with mesh modelling and objects creation, on how to add curves, surfaces, textures and lighting. The finished objects, be they humanoid or mechanical will be then be put to life with animation. Readers will be shown on how to create non linear animation using actions scripts and paths. Some rendering and raytracing follow suit, in which Blender provides enough tools to tinker with possibilities in this stage of production.

The last part shows the use of advanced tools including particle creation, special effects, and sequence editor.

Intended audience:

This document should help media professionals and artists, individuals who want to make their first steps using Blender. The latest Blender can now also be used by game designers to show the world what they are capable of.